Dwarf Blue Tango

Bromeliads

Many Bromeliads grow as epiphytes, growing on top of other plants and organisms in a non-parastic manner. Bromeliads can grow high up in the forest canopy on top of other trees

Bromeliads commonly have “tanks” formed by their tightly overlapping leaves at the base of the plant. This resiovoir collects water from rainfall, and allows the plant to take up water after rainfall.

Bromeliads undergo CAM photosynthesi

Many Bromeliad have trichomes that offer a variety of protection from the environment. These can act as protection from the sun and wind, or enhance water uptake.

Look For:

Water tanks at the base of the plant

Trichomes, if visible

Flowers, if visible. Stalks with many small flowers attached

Interesting Facts:

The pineapple is a commercially grown Bromeliad

Dwarf Blue Tango:

Dwarf Blue Tango

This is a patented hybrid plant

Type: Bromeliad

Adaptations

This plant undergoes CAM photosynthesis, a specialized form of photosynthesis that allows the plant’s pores to open at night and store the carbon until sunlight is available to undergo photosynthesis. This allows the plant to retain its water by keeping its pores closed during the day

Bromeliads grow as epiphytes, growing on top of other trees in a non-parasitic way

The base of the leaves are tightly attached to the base, forming a basin where water can collect and remain after rainfall.

Insects and animals can also create habitats in the pools of water the bromeliads collect. Wastes from these mini ecosystems can provide nutrients for the plant

Look For:

Flower, if in bloom, is bright with vivid blue and pink colors (see picture below).

Note the spiny edges of the leaves that would prevent predators.

Basin where water can collect at the center of this plant

Interesting Facts

This plant is a hybrid plant created and patented in a hybrid lab. The beauty of the flowers appeals plant collectors